[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, for months, the brave people of 
Ukraine have been fighting valiantly in a war they did not ask for. 
Their defense of their homeland from the Russian invasion has already 
far surpassed the expectations of all the skeptics.
  Ukraine is not asking anybody else to do their fighting for them. 
They ask only for the resources they need to defend themselves against 
this lawless aggression.
  I strongly support the next package of lethal military assistance 
which the House has passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. I 
hope the Senate can reach an agreement to consider and pass this 
legislation today. The Ukrainians need it. We need to do it today.
  Helping Ukraine is not an instance of mere philanthropy. It bears 
directly on America's national security and vital interests that 
Russia's naked aggression not succeed and carries significant costs. If 
Ukraine fails to repel Russian aggression, there is no question that 
the threat to America and European security will actually grow.

  Our Nation's history is packed--packed--with painful reminders that 
America cannot wish away global problems that affect us and our allies 
simply by burying our head in the sand.
  I applaud the strong Republican vote for this crucial assistance over 
in the House and urge my Senate colleagues on both sides to help us 
pass this urgent funding bill today.